Frasers Group confirms Ipswich shop openings later this year

It was hoped that Sports Direct, Flannels, USC, GAME and Evans Cycles would open by the end of the summer but this has been pushed back due to ongoing work at the premises.

The shops are opening in the former BHS store in Butter Market, which has been empty since 2016.

Work has been ongoing inside the building since the end of July (Image: Tom Cann)

Plans were submitted in June for new signage to go up around the outside of the building, and for new roller shutters to be installed.

These plans still haven't been discussed by the council, however, work has been ongoing inside the building since vans arrived at the end of July.

Flannels, a high-end retailer, will take up the majority of the ground floor, with fashion retailer USC taking up a section of the floor, as well as Sports Direct.

Work has been ongoing inside the building since the end of July (Image: Tom Cann)

Sports Direct will also take up the majority of the first floor as well, with sections carved out to facilitate Evans Cycles and GAME.

Both Sports Direct and Flannels will have separate entrances, with signage for four of the five shops now visible outside the building.

Workers outside the building in July (Image: Shikhar Talwar)

In June, community leaders said it was "excellent news" for Ipswich that the former BHS store, which has stood vacant for a number of years, was going to be back in use.

A Frasers Group spokesperson commented: "We are pleased to be opening a new 25,000 sq. ft Sports Direct store, located in Ipswich’s Butter Market.

"The store will open later this year."

Flannels and Sports Direct are amongst the new shops in the former BHS building (Image: Newsquest/Google Maps)